L'enjolivement de la réalité, une défense féminine ? étude auprès des auxiliaires puéricultrices

Abstract

This article questions the specificities of feminine defences through an intervention carried out with an action group of childcare assistants at a hospital day nursery. After having described the source of her questioning, the author presents the clinical observations that were conducted within the group. They reveal the assistants' tendency to mute and control their « negative » feelings such as anger or irritation towards the children. The assistants embellish the daily reality in order to avoid worrying their entourage (parents and directors) and thus protect themselves. What is to be thought of this mode of operation that makes the situation « positive » ? The author sets forth the hypothesis that this is a specific defence mechanism of the female gender and tries to describe the consequences linked to this particular psychic position.